NIST to Science Nerds: Service Dogs Welcome, Old Rules Gone
Published Date: 8/21/2026
Rule
Summary
NIST is updating its rules for behavior and traffic at its sites in Maryland and Colorado to make them simpler and easier to follow. They’re removing old, unnecessary rules and making it clearer that service dogs are welcome. These changes start on August 21, 2026, and won’t cost the public anything new.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Broader Exception for Service Dogs
NIST changed its animal rule so that persons with disabilities may use appropriate service dogs on NIST sites. This replaces the prior limited exception for only "seeing eye dogs" and blind persons in Sec. 265.43.
Removed Several On‑Site Conduct Rules
NIST removed or reserved several conduct rules that had only a weak link to preserving property, including Secs. 265.4, 265.36–265.38, 265.40–265.41, and revised 265.35. Those sections covered items like false statements, intoxicating beverages, drugs, impairment, discrimination, and gambling as codified in part 265.
Parking Permits No Longer Required
NIST removed Sec. 265.17 and stated it no longer requires parking permits on site. This change applies to NIST sites in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado.
Removed Outdated References and Criminal Penalty
The rule updates references (replacing 40 U.S.C. 318 with 40 U.S.C. 1315) and removes Sec. 265.51, which contained an outdated regulatory criminal penalty. These edits are intended to make part 265 current and reduce redundancy.
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